Carlos Alcaraz saved two set points, winning a dramatic opening match at the Qatar Open 2026.
World number one Carlos Alcaraz confidently defeated Arthur Rinderknech 2-0, marking his 150th win on hard courts and maintaining his unbeaten streak.
Carlos Alcaraz had a challenging start at the Qatar Open 2026 when he defeated Arthur Rinderknech after two tense sets with a score of 6-4, 7-6(5). This was the first match of the Spanish player since his miraculous completion of the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, showing the prowess of the star who is dominating the ATP rankings.
World's number one in composure in crucial moments.
Despite being considered the favorite, Alcaraz endured some nail-biting moments, especially in the second set. The Spaniard was forced to save two set points while serving in the tense 12th game. Holding firm against the brink of defeat in that set allowed him to force the match into a tie-break, where the champion's composure shone through at the crucial moment.
This victory not only propelled Alcaraz into the second round but also marked his 150th win on hard courts at the ATP level. Simultaneously, it extended his winning streak from the start of the 2026 season to 8-0, a perfect start to his goal of maintaining his world number one ranking.
Tactical analysis: The finesse of the drop shot
The highlight of Alcaraz's performance in this match was his net control and his signature drop shots. In the first set, he successfully executed three direct points using this refined technique. Statistics show that Alcaraz achieved a 76% win rate (16/21) at the net, a figure that demonstrates his all-around offensive skill.
Conversely, Arthur Rinderknech, with his height of 1.96m, made excellent use of his serve to trouble Alcaraz. However, the Spaniard's intense concentration in the tie-break extinguished the Frenchman's hopes. After 1 hour and 47 minutes of play, Alcaraz officially secured his place in the next round.
Match statistics
| Index | Carlos Alcaraz | Arthur Rinderknech |
|---|---|---|
| Set score | 6-4, 7-6 (5) | But |
| Ace | 2 | 6 |
| Double error | 1 | 1 |
| First serve percentage | 77% (53/69) | 67% (56/83) |
| First serve | 85% (45/53) | 75% (42/56) |
| Take advantage of break points. | 17% (1/6) | 0% (0/2) |
| Total points | 81/152 | 71/152 |
Following this victory, Carlos Alcaraz will continue his journey at the Qatar Open by facing another French tennis representative, Valentin Royer, in the second round.
